The Ukrainian government is preparing to implement licensing for the import of grapes, wine, and strong alcoholic beverages from Moldova. This will be a response to Chisinau’s decision to completely ban the import of Ukrainian poultry meat. This was reported by Taras Vysotsky, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture.
This is reported by Finway
Reasons for the Trade Conflict Between Ukraine and Moldova
The ban on the import of Ukrainian chicken, which Moldova imposed at the end of January, was justified by the detection of antibiotic residues in a batch of feed from Ukraine. The Ukrainian side conducted an investigation according to European standards, as a result of which a small amount of non-compliant products was destroyed. According to Vysotsky, no additional cases of antibiotic detection were recorded either in other producers or in products on the domestic market. There was also no confirmation of antibiotic residues in the poultry meat itself, both from Ukrainian services and from Moldovan regulatory authorities.
“No other cases of antibiotic presence in the feed were found either in this producer or, in principle, within the country. There was also no instance of antibiotic residue detection in the products, specifically in the poultry meat by either our competent authority or the Moldovan side,” Vysotsky noted.
Details of the New Restrictions and Prospects for Dialogue
Ukraine considers Moldova’s decision to be unfounded and indicative of a non-tariff barrier to market access. In response, mirror measures are planned to be implemented regarding key export positions of Moldova – grapes, wine, and strong alcoholic beverages. The draft resolution is currently undergoing the approval process and may be adopted at the next government meeting, specifically on March 5 or 6. The licensing regime will be in effect until the end of 2026.
Official Kyiv has informed Chisinau of its intentions, but has not yet received a response. The Ukrainian side notes that it is ready to reconsider the restrictions if Moldova changes its approach and resumes dialogue.
The trade volumes are significant: in 2025, the export of Ukrainian chicken to Moldova amounted to about 33 million dollars, while the import of Moldovan grapes and wine into Ukraine was about 40 million dollars. Vysotsky emphasizes that such actions could lead to comparable losses for both sides, and Ukraine’s main goal is to develop trade without restrictions.
The Moldovan government, for its part, states that Ukraine has not officially notified them of any trade restrictions and points to the ongoing communication with Ukrainian colleagues.